Riverbank Medical Centre

HOW DO I....

OBTAIN A REPEAT PRESCRIPTION?

Please note that we do not take requests for repeat prescriptions over the phone.

There are a number of ways in which we can help you with your repeat prescriptions. Please ensure that you have ticked the required items on your repeat computer slip, or write your request clearly on a piece of paper with your name and date of birth and:

• Bring your repeat medication slip into the surgery and collect your prescription after two working days
  
• OR
  
• Post your repeat medication slip to the surgery and collect your prescription after two working days. Please allow time for your prescription request to arrive at the surgery
  
• OR
  
• Post your repeat medication slip into the surgery (allowing time for delivery) with a stamped addressed envelope and we will aim to post it back to you on the day of receipt
  
• OR
  
• Mark your prescription for the attention of your chemist and arrange for them to pick it up from the surgery on your behalf (please note that you will need to notify the chemist that you have requested a prescription from the surgery). Your filled prescription can then be picked up from that chemist.
• OR
• Order your prescription ONLINE. Please register at reception where you will be issued with a unique log-in number and instructions. This service is only available for those medications which are regulary repeated.

If you are housebound a number of local chemists and supermarkets provide a surgery collection and home delivery service (please do not abuse this service). If you are not at home when delivery is attempted you may not be able to access this service again.

* We require two working days for all repeat prescriptions. Allowance must be made for posting time if you send in your request or supply an SAE. Check with your chemist how much extra time they require to produce your prescription if they are picking it up from the surgery. If there are no queries on your request it will be available for you or your chemist to collect as follows:

Urgent requests for prescriptions before 10.00am will be ready for collection between 6.00 and 6.30pm on the day of request.

You may find it more cost-effective to purchase a 'season ticket' (pre-payment certificate). If you need more than five items during four months or more than 14 prescribed items during the year, you will save money by buying one. Application forms are available from reception.

PRACTICE DRUG BUDGET

We are sure you are aware that we have a drug budget for all medication that we issue at the Medical Centre and are under constant pressure from the government to stay within this budget. We would therefore request our patients to help us by reminding you all of the following:

- Do not request medication you no longer use. If you have stopped medication let us know
- Do not hoard medication at home
- Keep a check on your medicines and only order when necessary
- Do not use another person’s medication

Our computer system monitors how much medication you are prescribed and as a result if you request a prescription before it is due there may be a delay before it is issued. We recognise that it may sometimes be necessary to make an early request ie holiday. If this is the case please help us by putting a note on the request giving the reason. This will help prevent any unnecessary delay.

HOW DO I....
OBTAIN A SICKNESS CERTIFICATE?

You do not need a medical certificate for illnesses lasting less than seven days. In such an event ask your employer for a self-certification form (if self employed contact the DSS for a form). For a doctor to issue a certificate you must have been seen either at the surgery or by the hospital. Some employers insist on a certificate within the first seven days - please note that a charge will be made for this.